The 56th Annual African American Day Parade: A Celebration of Education and Community
Date and Location
Mark your calendars! The 56th Annual African American Day Parade (AADP) will be held on Sunday, September 21, from 12:30 to 6 p.m. The vibrant procession will take place along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem, a neighborhood steeped in cultural history and significance.
Theme and Community Engagement
This year’s theme, “Education is Our #1 Priority,” sets the tone for the parade, promising a showcase of floats, marching bands, and various community organizations. You’ll witness the participation of civil servants, performance groups, elected officials, fraternities, sororities, unions, celebrities, and national figures, all rallying around the central message of educational empowerment.
Yusuf Hasan, chairman of the African American Day Parade, Inc., expresses the deep-seated importance of honoring figures who have championed education and community, especially following the loss of significant leaders like Congressman Charles Rangel and Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference. Hasan remarked that the parade’s goal is to uplift community spirits, reflecting a commitment to progress and unity.
Weekend Kickoff: Community Celebration
The festivities kick off a day earlier on Saturday, September 20, with the 3rd Annual Get Involved: Community, Literacy, Health, and Culture Celebration. Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Plaza, this kickoff event is designed to engage attendees with:
- Live performances that highlight local talent
- Literacy activities aimed at promoting education
- Giveaways and prizes that create excitement
- A health panel featuring experts on wellness
- On-site health services that cater to community needs
This pre-parade celebration aims to stimulate interest in education while also addressing health and culture.
Honoring Grand Marshals
Each year, the parade honors esteemed grand marshals who have made significant contributions to education and community service. This year, leaders from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are honored, including Dr. Tony Allen of Delaware State University, Dr. Martin Lamelle Jr. of Grambling State University, and Dr. Patrice Ramsey of Medgar Evers College. These educational pioneers embody the parade’s theme, showcasing how education can be a pillar for community strength.
Additional notable grand marshals include Sandra Bookman, anchor of Eyewitness News on ABC7, and Dr. Bob Lee, a well-loved radio personality from WBLS 107.5 FM. Local school principals such as Dr. Shawn F. Brown, Francina Yaw-Costello, and Jean E. Jeanty will also participate as marshals, further emphasizing the academic achievements within the community.
Live Coverage and Community Support
For those unable to attend in person, WABC-TV will once again partner with the AADP to livestream the parade on ABC7NY.com, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to join in the celebration from wherever they may be.
Jasmine Robinson, AADP administrative coordinator and granddaughter of founding member Abe Snyder, expresses enthusiasm about this year’s celebration, particularly through the focus on educators. She emphasizes the vital role of sponsors like Northwell Health, Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, underscoring how community support energizes the parade and its meaningful mission.
A Celebration of Culture and Heritage
As the parade day approaches, anticipation builds within the community for a joyful and powerful gathering that not only celebrates African American heritage but also places a strong emphasis on education as the cornerstone for progress and empowerment. The AADP serves as a unified platform for community bonding, learning, and celebration, continuing its legacy as a cherished annual event in Harlem.
Get ready to participate, celebrate, and affirm the vital importance of education at this year’s historic parade!